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Russian-speaking Newcomers in San Francisco:

A Community Assessment Report

A Project of the Newcomers Health Program of the

San Francisco Department of Public Health in collaboration with

International Institute of San Francisco and

Bay Area Community Resources

Russian-speaking Newcomers in San Francisco:

A Community Assessment Report

Co-Authors: Patricia Erwin, MPH

Linda L. Chappo

Contributing Authors:

Newcomers Health Program Staff Graduate Students Drina Boban, MPH Monica Dea, MPH candidate

Linette Escobar, MA Ayanna Kiburi, MPH candidate Joanna Kotcher, MPH James Rapues, MPH candidate

Judith Snead, MPH candidate

A Project of the Newcomers Health Program of the San Francisco Department of Public Health in collaboration with

International Institute of San Francisco and Bay Area Community Resources

September, 2002

1490 Mason Street #107

San Francisco, CA 94133-4222 Telephone: (415) 705-8553

Fax: (415) 705-8660 Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.dph.sf.ca.us/CHPP/newcmrs.htm

Table of Contents I. Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………..……..1 II. Executive Summary…………………………………………………………..………..2 III. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………….6

IV. Background and Literature Review…………………………………………………….9

V. Methodology…………………………………………………………………………..16

A. Analysis of Department of Public Health Patient Utilization Data, 1998-2001 B. Analysis of California Refugee Health Section Data, 2000-2002 C. Refugee Medical Clinic Health Assessment Survey, 2002 D. Key Informant Interviews, 1999-2000 E. Focus Groups, 2000

VI. Findings………………………………………………………………….…………….21 A. Analysis of Department of Public Health Patient Utilization Data, 1998-2001 B. Analysis of California Refugee Health Section Data, 2000-2002 C. Refugee Medical Clinic Health Assessment Survey, 2002 D. Key Informant Interviews, 1999-2000 E. Focus Groups, 2000

VII. Discussion……………………………………………………………….……………..37 A. Recommendations B. Lessons Learned from this Assessment by Newcomers Health Program

VIII. References………………………………………………………………..…………….41 IX. Appendices

A. Refugee Medical Clinic Patient Health Education Assessment Survey – English B. Refugee Medical Clinic Patient Health Education Assessment Survey – Russian C. Key Informant Interview Tool, Community Organizations D. Key Informant Interview Tool, Health Providers E. Key Informant Interview Tool, Social Service Agencies F. Key Informant Interview Tool, Across Agency G. Key Informant Interview Tool – SUNSET Russian Tobacco Education Project H. Focus Group Interview Tool – General Health and Social Services I. Focus Group Interview Tool – SUNSET Russian Tobacco Education Project J. List of Key Informants K. Map of San Francisco by Zip Codes (not available through web-based versions)

Section I: Acknowledgements

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I. Acknowledgements The Newcomers Health Program of the San Francisco Department of Public Health would

like to sincerely thank the Russian-speaking community members (whose confidentiality we

must maintain) who generously gave their time to participate in our health education surveys,

interviews, and focus groups. The co-authors would also like to extend their appreciation to the

health and human services providers for kindly sharing with us their time, advice and

experiences (see Appendix J). We also want to acknowledge the support of the California

Department of Health Services, Refugee Health Section, which provided us with the funding to

compile this report.

In addition, the co-authors want to acknowledge our staff, interns and those individuals who

assisted in the development, implementation and writing of this community assessment through

its various phases. Their support, time, expertise, resources and feedback were invaluable and

greatly appreciated. We apologize for inadvertently omitting any others who supported this

project and are not included here.

Nina Boyko – Refugee Medical Clinic, Newcomers Health Program Alan Hubbard – University of California, Berkeley Yin Yan Leung – Newcomers Health Program Freda Luu – Newcomers Health Program Bella Mogilev – Refugee Medical Clinic, Newcomers Health Program Julia Mogilev – Refugee Medical Clinic, Newcomers Health Program Sasha Mosalov – SUNSET Russian Tobacco Education Project, Newcomers Health Program Olga Radom – Refugee Medical Clinic, Newcomers Health Program Irina Rudoy – San Francisco Tuberculosis Control Program, Newcomers Health Program Natalya Volk – Newcomers Health Program This report is made possible in part by funds received from the California Department of Health Services, Refugee Health Section, under grant number 01-90-4467-01A.

Section II: Executive Summary

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II. Executive Summary

The Russian-speaking newcomer community is one of the fastest growing communities in

the San Francisco Bay Area. The current wave of newcomers from the former Soviet Union

include many individuals who have left their homeland due to an increase in the incidence and

virulence of anti-Semitic activity, or to escape communism. Thousands left the former Soviet

Union when it was experiencing economic and social upheaval. One goal they all have in

common is their pursuit of a better life in the United States for themselves and their families.

Russian-speaking newcomers include people with different immigration statuses, some are

refugees, others are asylees or parolees and some are immigrants with no special status. Due to

the difficulty of sub-categorizing this community and for purposes of inclusiveness, this

assessment encompasses newcomers from the former Soviet Union who have arrived in the past

fifteen years, regardless of their immigration status.

In order to better understand and help Russian-speakers deal with resettlement, trauma and

stress, health care and social service providers can benefit by having additional information

about them. A community assessment, such as this one, which includes various methods of

gathering information is a good tool for beginning to identify community assets, socio-cultural

and health beliefs and practices, community needs and gaps in services. This assessment,

undertaken by the Newcomers Health Program, a program of the San Francisco Department of

Public Health in collaboration with the International Institute of San Francisco and Bay Area

Community Resources, attempts to present a baseline picture of the Russian-speaking newcomer

population in San Francisco County. The goals of this assessment were fourfold:

1. To document the basic demographic characteristics of the Russian refugees who came to San

Francisco, including information on general health issues, employment and education,

resettlement resources and challenges, and overall well-being.

2. To begin a process of networking with community members and enhancing community

capacity so that Russian-speaking newcomers in San Francisco have more resources

available to help themselves.

3. To seek information to guide us in determining future directions and collaborations for

Newcomers Health Program.

4. To compile and produce a report, and share findings related to information obtained on this

community by the Newcomers Health Program.


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Due to resource limitations, this assessment is primarily descriptive and qualitative in nature.

The assessment utilized the following methods which are summarized in this report:

1. a literature and data review;

2. analysis of billing data from public health primary health care clinics of the San Francisco

Department of Public Health;

3. analysis of refugee initial health assessment data from the California Department of Health

Services;

4. patient health education assessment survey at Refugee Medical Center;

5. key informant interviews with health and human service providers who work with Russian-

speaking newcomers;

6. focus groups with Russian-speaking newcomer adults and youth, and visiting Russian

businessmen.

Some General Findings from the Assessment

1. Diversity: There are many differences in the waves of Russian speakers who live in the San

Francisco Bay Area. There are subgroups based on the country of origin, religious practice,

immigration status, age and socio-economic status.

2. Physical health issues: Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease are

very common. Diseases of the musculoskeletol system and connective tissues, diseases of

the nervous system and sense organs, and rheumatoid arthritis are also common. Some of

these are most likely related to lifestyle, diet and tobacco use.

3. Mental health issues: Loss of country, work and status cause many Russian-speaking

newcomers to feel depression and stress. Many of the elderly have feelings of depression

and become isolated due to a lack of English language skills. Some do not seek assistance in

health care because they are uninformed about services available or due to the stigma

associated with mental health.

4. Employment opportunities: Most Russian-speakers are well-educated and well-trained.

However, due to language limitations or lack of current technology skills many are unable to

get work or earn a substantial wage for the high cost of living in San Francisco.

5. Supportive services: One of the most frustrating areas for these newcomers is the lack of

qualified Russians-speaking interpreters and service providers at many health centers and

social service agencies. Many Russian-


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speaking newcomers expressed their appreciation for the health care providers at the Refugee

Medical Clinic, Mt. Zion Hospital and San Francisco General Hospital.

6. Housing: The high cost of housing in San Francisco is a major concern for many Russian-

speakers. Many fear homelessness. We are seeing a larger population settling in unsafe

neighborhoods such as the Tenderloin and the Western Addition. Others move out of the

city to suburban areas such as Daly City, Richmond, Walnut Creek and even to Sacramento

where there is a large Russian population.

7. Youth issues: Youth tend to acculturate faster into the community than the older generations.

Many don’t want to speak Russian and this causes a communication problem with elderly

family members who may only speak Russian. In addition, some Russian service providers

perceive that Russian-speaking youth have a much higher smoking prevalence rate than

American teenagers. If this is true, tobacco-related diseases will continue to affect this

community at higher rates than the general population.

8. Great strengths: Russian-speakers know how to “find their way” in the culture and have a

desire to work and become successful in the new environment. They are resourceful,

resiliient and developed skills in their homeland for getting around obstacles. They have a

strong sense of family and a very good work ethic.

Recommendations

We based these suggested recommendations on the information gathered in this assessment.

We believe that these actions could significantly and positively impact the health, well-being and

resettlement experiences of Russian-speaking newcomers in San Francisco.

1. Increase access to health care services by providing the newcomers with an extensive

orientation to the health care system in the U.S. (and more specifically in San Francisco) so

they will better understand the process and be able to utilize services.

2. Develop health education prevention programs such as hypertension management, diabetes

management and healthy eating programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Use bilingual, bicultural staff to conduct outreach and implement activities.

3. Implement cultural competency training at all levels of service provision. Provide funding

for more native language brochures, one-on-one education and native language videos.

4. Increase the availability of interpreter services and Russian-speaking providers throughout

the health and social services arena.


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5. Conduct social support groups for Russian-speaking newcomers citywide and develop

mental health services that specifically meet the needs of older Russian-speaking community

members. Identify and outreach to sub-groups that are not seen as well as those that are

more visible by their presence in the various assistance programs offered by service agencies.

Very often those that are the least visible are, by definition, the ones that need the most

attention from social service agencies and others in the community.

6. Develop youth and intergenerational programs to enhance family connections and build on

cultural strengths.

7. Incorporate alternative medicine, stress reduction and coping strategies into more traditional

health and social services model that are common in the United States. This idea is based in

part on models practiced in the former Soviet Union, thus it is not only culturally appropriate

but would also build trust in the community.

8. Increase the number of vocational training and job placement programs that serve Russian-

speakers with limited English skills.

Section III: Introduction

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III. Introduction

Purpose of this Community Assessment

From 1999 to 2002 Newcomers Health Program implemented several assessments of the

Russian-speaking immigrant and refugee population in the San Francisco area. We decided to

compile information from these smaller assessments into one comprehensive report with

information on the current status, strengths and needs of Russian-speaking newcomers in San

Francisco County, to highlight programs and services which have proven helpful, and to identify

gaps in services.

The primary goals of this assessment were to:

1. To document the basic demographic characteristics of the Russian refugees who came to San

Francisco, including information on general health issues, employment and education,

resettlement resources and challenges, and overall well-being.

2. To begin a process of networking with community members and enhancing community

capacity so that Russian-speaking newcomers in San Francisco have more resources

available to help themselves.

3. To seek information to guide us in determining future directions and collaborations for

Newcomers Health Program.

4. To compile and produce a report and share findings related to information obtained on this

community by the Newcomers Health Program.

Newcomers Health Program is a community-based refugee health program that has provided

services to refugees and immigrants in San Francisco for over 20 years. It is a collaborative

program of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, International Institute of San

Francisco and Bay Area Community Resources. The programs instituted by the Newcomers

Health Program include clinic-based services such as medical interpretation, comprehensive

health assessments of newly arriving refugees, health education, referrals, and case management

at primary health clinics of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Newcomers Health

Program also conducts community-based health programs designed to improve community well-

being and enhance community capacity. Current programs include the Bosnian Community

Wellness Program administered in collaboration with the International Institute of San Francisco,

and the SUNSET Russian Tobacco Education Project administered in collaboration with the Bay

Area Community Resources. Newcomers Health Program continuously plans and develops


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programs based on information gathered from assessments such as this one.

Definition of the Community

The terms "Russian-speaking immigrants" or “Russian-speaking émigrés” are often used in

literature as umbrella terms inclusive of all arrivals (immigrants, refugees, asylees and parolees)

from the former Soviet Union. For the purposes of this report, we will use the term Russian-

speaking newcomers. The specific focus is on Russian-speaking newcomers who arrived in the

United States within the last fifteen years.

The United States Refugee Act of 1980 defines refugees as "persons outside their own

countries of nationality who are unable or unwilling to return because of persecution or well-

founded fear of persecution." In order to resettle refugees and promote their self-sufficiency, the

Refugee Act authorizes financial assistance by the federal government in cooperation with state

and local government and voluntary agencies (General Accounting Office, 1990). Benefits for

refugees include eight months of Medi-cal Insurance and Temporary Aid to Needy Families

payments. Individuals who come to the United States as visitors but do not return to their

country of origin can apply for asylum status, and if it is granted they are referred to as asylees.

There are Russian-speaking asylees in San Francisco who are entitled to the same benefits as

refugees (General Accounting Office, 1990). Parolees are granted this special immigration

status in the former Soviet Union by the United States government and are entitled to some of

the same benefits as refugees once they arrive here. Immigrants who choose to leave their

countries of origin to migrate to another country for reasons not associated with persecution,

usually in search of improved quality of life, are not eligible for as many benefits as refugees,

asylees and parolees.

Limitations

As with all newly arriving immigrant groups, it is a challenge to paint a comprehensive and

accurate portrait of the Russian-speaking newcomer community. First of all, there are limited

sources of secondary data. Because Russian-speakers are often aggregated under the category of

“white”, often with no differentiation by language or country of origin, it is often complicated to

examine county or other public data. Data sources about immigrants do not usually differentiate

between refugees and other immigrants, and there is limited census data from the 2000 census.

Other sources of information, such as schools,


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community colleges, refugee and immigrant service providers, and health clinics have limited

information or data that is not easily accessible. Even initial resettlement figures on refugees

available from the U.S. Department of State and the resettlement agencies are not considered

accurate in estimating refugee population sizes because of secondary migration into and out of

San Francisco, in addition to the fact that these numbers only include refugees, and not asylees,

parolees or other immigrants.

There are also limitations specific to the analysis of the San Francisco Department of Public

Health primary care clinic patient utilization data. Using administrative datasets for these

purposes is often problematic because they are set up for billing and not research purposes.

Therefore, some Russian-speaking newcomers may have been inadvertently excluded from the

dataset.

There were considerable time, funding, and staff constraints in completing this assessment.

Newcomers Health Program staff had limited time to commit to this project and there was little

dedicated funding. Consequently, sample sizes for focus groups, refugee interviews, and surveys

were smaller than we would have liked. Language issues posed some challenges for non-

Russian staff analyzing the interview and focus group data.

It may be difficult to generalize the findings of this assessment to the general population of

Russian-speaking newcomers in San Francisco, or to the general population of Russian-speaking

newcomers in the United States. Our information was primarily obtained from service providers

our program has connections with, and from patients of three public health clinics in San

Francisco and Newcomers Health Program clients, who may be different from other Russian-

speaking newcomers. The focus of this assessment is on Russian-speaking newcomers over the

age of eighteen. While this is in many ways appropriate, it is important to remember that

newcomer children have unique needs and concerns that should not be overlooked by service

providers.

Despite these limitations, we hope this assessment will serve as a valuable tool for service

providers in identifying means to better work with their Russian-speaking newcomer clients.

Section IV: Background and Literature Review

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IV. Background and Literature Review The Waves of Soviet Immigrant and Refugee Groups into the United States

History

The majority of recent Russian-speaking immigrants to San Francisco have been Russian-

Jewish people who suffered a unique history in the former Soviet Union. They have been

persecuted, marginalized and massacred throughout the centuries. Manyy have been

scapegoated for social ills during periods of political and social turmoil. Pogroms (government-

sanctioned reigns of terror) have often resulted from this scapegoating. In the 1800's, Russian-

Jewish people were restricted to certain regions of the country, excluded from most occupations

and subjected to violent attacks. These conditions led many Jewish people to migrate (Gold and

Tuan, 1993).

Many Jewish people who stayed in the former Soviet Union, hoping to improve their chances

for survival, supported social reform movements such as the Revolution. Their involvement in

these movements was often significant, and many of those in Lenin's Politburo were Jewish in

origin. By the 1920's, Jewish religious practice was banned and Jewish people were prevented

from maintaining links with relatives abroad (Gold and Tuan, 1993).

The common method of describing the Russian-speaking immigrant and refugee population

is to divide it into "waves" according to periods of arrival, reasons for persecution, and

immigration status. These categories influence access to health and social services, and

indirectly affect prospects for long-term well-being.

1. Those who immigrated to America shortly before 1900: This group includes those escaping

the Jewish pogroms. The children and grandchildren of this group (second generation) may

also be included in this group as they represent a well acculturated and integrated, although

aging group.

2. Those who immigrated shortly after World War II: This group, which includes those who

fled from the Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, is now aged and may be vulnerable to health and

social problems.

3. Those who came to the United States in the 1970’s and 1980’s: There have been two distinct

flows of Russian-speaking migrants into the United States since the early 1970's. One group

was from the Jewish population of the former Soviet Union. They were forced to leave the

Soviet Union to escape anti-Semitic based persecution. The other group, arriving from 1972-


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1986, left to escape communism in the Soviet Union.

4. Those who arrived since 1986: This group is the focus of this assessment and is comprised of

people from all the former Soviet Republics. Since the disintegration of the Soviet Union,

extreme nationalist policies and sentiment in the republics resulted in discrimination and

retribution of ethnic Russians living in those areas. Thousands of newcomers left the former

Soviet Union when it was experiencing economic and social upheaval alongside increasing

freedoms. The largest percentage of the newcomers leaving the former Soviet Union after

1986 were Jewish people from Russia, Ukraine and other republics. Other large groups of

former Soviet Union newcomers entering the United States are Armenians and Pentecostals

(Gold and Tuan, 1993).

Culture, Language and Ethnicity

The former Soviet Union consists of over one hundred distinct nationalities, sixteen

autonomous republics and thirty autonomous areas. To attempt to characterize Russian-speaking

culture would be even more difficult than to characterize American culture. While there are

cultural similarities and common experiences that Russian-speaking people from the former

Soviet Union share, there are many differences such as ethnicity, history and background, social

class, language, religion, and numerous other factors.

In Russian culture the strength and importance is in the community, not the individual;

belonging to a community equals survival. Despite communism, life in the former Soviet Union

was very stable. Many people lived, went to school, worked and died in the same place they

were born. Virtually everything was done together without competition.

However, in an effort to end what they called tsarist Russia's "prison of nations" and to

promote the Soviet Union as a family of friendly nations, the Communist regime used

propaganda, slogans and forced resettlement to promote a unified Soviet culture. The

Communist government held grandiose patriotic and folkloric festivals to promote a unified

culture. They mandated assimilation and attempted to wipe out distinctions among cultures,

undermined social values, forbade all religions, and extinguished dialects and languages other

than Russian. Despite these efforts a homogenous culture was not developed (Hartman, 1999).

The official language of the former Soviet Union was Russian. Many of the native languages

were forbidden in the former Soviet Union. Yiddish and Ladino were spoken by the older

generation, and only at home or with very close friends.


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Although the Soviet government denied Jewish people (and all citizens) the right to practice

their religion and promoted a homogenous culture, outsider status was imposed on Jewish people

by being branded "Jew" as their nationality on Jewish citizens' passports, regardless of where

they were born or resided (Gold and Tuan, 1993). Jewish people, a national minority in the

former Soviet Union, are comprised of two ethnic groups: Ashkenasim (European Jewish) whose

language is Yiddish and Sephardim (Mountain Jewish) whose language is Ladino. Both groups

also speak Russian. Ashkenasim newcomers arriving in the United States are from former Soviet

republics along the European border and Sephardim newcomers are from Azerbaijan and

Uzbekistan (Elaysberg, 1996).

Russian-speaking Jewish people practiced Orthodox Judaism openly prior to the Revolution.

With the arrival of communism, the practice of religion was forced underground. The

communist denigration of religion was so effective in the Soviet Union that now it is primarily

the elderly, who learned traditional Judaism before the Stalinist crackdowns in the 1930's, who

maintain contact with their religion (Gold and Tuan, 1993). Many of the Jewish people aged 30

to 50 only have a secular knowledge of Judaism and are atheistic. Newcomer youth have been

exposed to contemporary American Judaism through religious activities and scholarships to

Jewish camps and schools that have been made available to them as part of resettlement

programs. This generational variation in religious upbringing and belief can be a source of

conflict for newcomer families (Gold and Tuan, 1993).

Russian-speaking Newcomers in the United States and San Francisco Bay Area

According to the 2000 Census reports, there are 27,243 (3.5%) Russian-speakers from Russia

and the Ukraine in San Francisco, and 3,545,136 (1.2%) in the United States (United States

Census Bureau, 2000). The long form of the 2000 Census asks questions that quantify data on

foreign-born newcomers. The questions concern ancestry or ethnic origin, any spoken language

other than English, and country of birth. According to data collected almost 700,000 new

immigrants flocked to the nine-county (San Francisco Bay area) region between 1990 and 2000

and of those there are an estimated 31,250 Russians and Ukrainians. (Hendricks, 2002).

Sacramento and Yolo counties vied with Los Angeles for the most concentrated Russian and

Ukrainian communities (Gaudette, 2002). Refugees from the former Soviet Union represent one

of the largest groups of legal refugees to the United States in the past decade. Close to half a

million were resettled in the United States from 1983-1999, with over 86,000 of them resettling


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in California (Office of Refugee Resettlement, 1999). In San Francisco specifically, information

from the California Department of Social, Refugee Programs Branch data show that 13,348

refugees from the former Soviet Union resettled here. The same data source documents that

from 1997-2001, an additional 1,870 refugees came to San Francisco from this region of the

world. In total, these number equal over 15,000 refugees in San Francisco. The exact number of

refugees who came into the county are difficult to estimate because of secondary migration in the

United States after initial resettlement and due to difficulty in capturing data on immigrants in

general. Based on these various data sources we estimate that San Francisco County is home to

25,000 to 32,000 Russian-speaking newcomers.

The United Socialist Soviet Republic consisted of fifteen ethnic republics and spoke over

100 languages. The majority of Russian-speaking newcomers in San Francisco come from either

Russia or the Ukraine. They also come from areas of the former Soviet Republic which are now

independent countries: Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia,

Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Georgia, and Turkmenistan.

Russian-speaking newcomers in San Francisco are an “older” group of immigrants,

considered by many to be the oldest immigrant community in the United States (Zinchenko,

2001). The average age of these immigrants is mid-thirties. About 15% of Russian-speaking

newcomers are of retirement age and only about half of them are of employable age (Galperin,

no date). The intact family is often the unit of immigration, and grandparents frequently migrate

with their families and live in the same household upon resettlement. In many newcomer

households the grandparents speak only Russian and the grandchildren speak only English (Gold

and Tuan, 1993).

Because most Russian-speaking newcomers come from their homeland educated, skilled, and

often familiar with urban life, they have been characterized as being well-equipped for adjusting

to American life. On average, adults arriving in the United States from the former Soviet Union

have completed an average of 13.5 years of formal education, one more year than the United

States average. While the scope of former occupations is broad among newcomers, large

numbers have worked in technical fields including engineering, computer science, and other

professional areas (Gold and Tuan, 1993). However, because the former Soviet Union is behind

the United States in terms of technological advancements, re-training in technical areas is often

necessary. Due to high education levels and the fact that Russian-speaking Jewish women as

well as men generally worked outside the home in their countries of origin, the average family


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income is higher than that of many recently arrived refugee groups.

In general, this community does not have well-established, formalized self-help

organizations, instead the rely on existing organizations that work with the Jewish community in

the United States, as well as informal assistance networks among families and friends, which

demonstrates the importance of family connections in resettlement (Galperin, no date).

Unfortunately, in some cases community members do not access established, formal

organizations because they feel misunderstood and that their issues are not addressed. One study

showed that newcomers who were interviewed wanted service providers to understand and be

more respectful of their culture. On the other hand, service providers sometimes express

frustration because they view Russian-speaking newcomers as demanding, lacking trust, hostile

and manipulative (Birman, no date).

There are challenges facing this community as newcomers resettle here. One of the common

difficulties of resettlement is adjusting to an automatic loss of status by migrating. Problems

may include reversals in provider/recipient roles within families, dependency of older family

members, generational differences in religious identity, defining their community in American

society and adjusting to life in the United States (Gold and Tuan, 1993).

Like all immigrants, there are many health and related socio-cultural practices and beliefs

that are important to keep in mind when working with this community. Newcomers from the

former Soviet Union can be perceived as non-compliant by health care providers. For example,

they may change or initiate medications or prescriptions as they feel is appropriate and may not

follow instructions given by providers. Preventative health screening is not typically done in the

former Soviet Union so people often don’t understand its importance, and thus newcomers will

not go for screening procedures unless they suspect something is wrong. These practices are

based, at least in part, on their experiences with health care in the former Soviet Union

(Schulhoff, no date). In terms of physical health issues, positive reactions to tuberculosis skin

tests are very common, which indicates exposure and latent infection (Moyer, no date). Russian-

speaking newcomers have great respect for elders and a strong family focus and thus families

like to discuss medical decisions together and take care of ill family members. Some believe that

causes of illness include poor nutrition, not dressing warmly, family history, or too many

medications. The traditional Russian diet is high in starch, fat and salt. (Lipson, 2000;

Weinstein, 1999).

Mental health is a major problem with this newcomer community. Many newcomers express


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depression, stress, feelings of isolation and misplacement. A study conducted with Russian-

speaking refugees in 2001 at a San Francisco mental health clinic found that 68% of clients

developed severe depression, anxiety and other mental health issues within one year of arrival in

the United States. According to the study the primary causes for this were related to feelings of a

loss of home (due to both the collapse of the former Soviet Union as well as immigration), aging

and emotional issues. (Zinchenko, 2001).

Two studies were done in Santa Clara County, California that examined issues impacting

Russian-speaking newcomers in this Bay Area County (Hobbs, 2000; Weinstein, 1999). Due to

the geographic proximity as well as similarities among the communities, many of the findings

and issues outlined below can be assumed to be comparable for community members living in

San Francisco.

The majority of Russian-speaking newcomers cited major barriers to obtaining health and

social services: lack of English language skills, unavailable information, unaffordable health

care, a fear and mistrust of the government, and difficulty accessing transportation.

According to participants, major issues of stress are health, finances, employment and

housing. Participants tend to like many aspects of America: freedom/democracy, the American

people, opportunity and choice, economic security, safety, natural beauty and strong laws,

American literature, theatre, television, medicine and science.

In general, resettlement issues are more difficult for older newcomers due to language,

isolation, and loss of careers. The older newcomers dislike the public transportation system,

having to make appointments, less depth in doctor-patient relationships, a less rigorous public

education system, and television programs that portray nudity, violence, and cruelty. The health

problems of the older community members are typical of the elderly. Even prior to emigration

the most common problems were hypertension, arthritis, glaucoma, cardiac and prostate

problems and cataracts. Since coming to the U.S. some elderly interviewees report an

improvement in their health as a result of surgery (ear, eye, cardiac or orthopedic) or improved

medical management of cardiac, hypertension or bacterial problems. Some new problems that

developed since resettlement are related to mental health: depression, psychological pain,

headaches and fibromyalgia.

Many Russian-speaking newcomer participants realize that community education lies at the

heart of improving the lives of immigrants and their families. Without knowledge of how to

understand the new society or how to improve themselves, many immigrants run into dead ends


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or have problems that can be avoided. Therefore, there is great unanimity of agreement that it is

important to develop multi-topic immigrant community education programs addressing cultural

proficiency and social services, immigration and health access issues.

A literature review done in 2000 by the SUNSET Russian Tobacco Education Project related

to tobacco use and Russian-speaking newcomers highlights some important issues on this

pressing health issue (Escobar, 2000). Although very little data on tobacco and Russian-

speaking newcomers was found, there is some information from the former Soviet Union that

may provide clues for tracking current tobacco use. Russian cigarette consumption has increased

40% since 1986. Approximately 67% of Russian men smoke and 25-35% of Russian women

smoke. Smoking initiation by young people is currently on the rise. In 1995, 41% of all deaths

among men 35-69 in the former Soviet Union countries were caused by tobacco. This fact is a

great contributor to the Russian males’ average life expectancy of 57 years of age.

With the fall of communism, these countries have been the targets of increased marketing by

Western tobacco companies looking for new markets to replace the ones lost by programs and

policies in developed countries. Many Russian-speaking newcomers have had high exposure to

cigarette smoke, have been assailed by tobacco advertising, and perceive that tobacco use is

normal. It has also been noted that Russian-speaking newcomers are fiercely protective of their

personal choice coming from a history of oppression. They also hold a fatalistic outlook that

although smoking is dangerous it is ultimately up to fate if one will be harmed by it. Data from

patient intake logs at the Refugee Medical Clinic and Ocean Park Health Center show many

patients suffering from tobacco-related illnesses. Interventions need to be designed to appeal to

the different ethnic groups in the United States and be sensitive to the mindset of people who

have lived through the unique circumstances of the former Soviet Union.

Section V: Methodology

16

V. Methodology A. Analysis of Department of Public Health Patient Utilization Data, 1998-2000

A dataset was constructed from the administrative billing data available from outpatient

public health primary care clinics of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The clinics

are: Family Health Center’s Refugee Medical Clinic, Family Health Center’s Gold Team, and

Ocean Park Health Center. The selection of the data included the patients from these sites who

had clinical services anytime during the time period of 1998 to 2000 who met the following

criteria:

1. language was listed as Russian, English, unknown, unable to determine, Turkish or Polish;

2. race was documented as White, other or unknown;

3. ethnicity was noted as Russian, Russian Jew, other European, White, other or unknown.

The purpose was to attempt to obtain a comprehensive list of all possible patients from the

former Soviet Union. Newcomers Health Program staff then went through this list and selected

the group of patients for the dataset by Russian surname. The final data sample consisted of 711

Russian-speaking newcomer visits, which does not include those Russian-speaking newcomers

who use primary care providers or another public health clinic.

The dataset was broken into two subsets by time periods: 1998 and 1999 - 2000. It includes

information on age, gender, insurance, zip code of residence, and clinics visited. Also included

in the findings section are diagnostic groupings for the first patient visit only and diagnostic

groupings for all patient visits. These diagnoses are based on billing data and only include one

diagnosis per patient visit, and only the primary diagnosis and not secondary ones are

incorporated.

B. Analysis of California Refugee Health Section Data, 2000-2002

The California Refugee Health Section funds the Newcomers Health Program to provide

comprehensive health assessments to newly arriving refugees and recently documented asylees.

An on-line case management database system, referred to as RHEIS (Refugee Health Electronic

Information System), was developed by the Refugee Health Section to allow all funded counties

to enter, track and report information such as demographics, health history, diagnoses, and

immunizations gathered during the health assessment. The Refugee Health Section has the

capability of producing aggregate reports related to the data input into the system by the


17

counties.

The Newcomers Health Program requested the following aggregate reports from the Refugee

Health Electronic Information System:

1. top ten diagnoses for refugees and asylees from the former Soviet Union for the twelve

months of the fiscal year October, 2000 through September, 2001

2. top ten diagnoses for refugees and asylees from the former Soviet Union for the first

eight months (October through May) of the fiscal year October, 2001 through September,

2002. This is the extent of the data for the 2001-02 fiscal year that was available at the

time of the request.

This data includes only refugees and asylees who resettled in San Francisco and received

health assessments at the Refugee Medical Clinic during this time period. In some cases more

than one diagnosis was given for a single patient. Three hundred-twenty four refugees and

asylees from October, 2000 through September, 2001 and 171 refugee and asylees from October

2001 through May, 2002 are included in the dataset.

C. Refugee Medical Clinic Health Education Assessment Survey, 2002

In order to assess the health education issues, interests and preferred ways of learning of

refugee patients and design health education programs that are more tailored to meet these needs,

the Newcomers Health Program staff developed a patient health education assessment survey.

The survey was developed in English and translated into Russian for patients from the former

Soviet Union (see Appendices A and B). Between April and June 2002 it was distributed to a

convenience sample of adult refugees utilizing health care services at the Refugee Medical

Clinic. Sixty Russian-speaking patients self-completed the survey.

D. Key Informant Interviews, 1999-2000 D.1. Key Informant Interviews: General Health and Social Service Issues, 1999-2000

Due to Newcomers Health Program’s primary role in providing medical screenings, health

education and health referrals to incoming refugees in San Francisco, the type of information

Newcomers Health Program staff can obtain on refugee communities is often limited to physical

health needs or issues. Through a series of in-depth interviews with San Francisco service

providers working with Russian-speaking refugee and immigrant populations, Newcomers

Health Program hoped to obtain valuable information about the community beyond their


18

immediate health needs.

Eleven in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with service providers working

in a variety of health and human services agencies in San Francisco. A search was made to

identify appropriate service providers, the capacity in which they served the clients, and whether

they could provide information for the assessment. Contacts were made within the community

by recommendation of other service providers and by prior association with the Newcomers

Health Program.

These agencies offer a variety of services to refugees, immigrants, and low-income

populations. Interviewees were recruited through word-of-mouth, staff and providers at public

health clinics, previously established collaborative networks between and among San Francisco

Department of Public Health agencies and other public service agencies.

Interviews were conducted either by telephone or face-to-face. All interviews were done in

English since the service providers and interviewers had that language in common. Interviews

were conducted by San Francisco State University graduate students as well as two staff

members from Newcomers Health Program. The interview tools were semi-structured and

included questions concerning issues, aspects, obstacles, barriers, strengths and weaknesses of

the Russian-speaking community. The focus of the design was to highlight topics for

investigation so that interviews could be guided but not restricted to question-answer format.

Topics and issues which reflect the overall health of the population and contributing factors,

information about the agencies, and the interaction between clients and service providers were

the focus of all assessment tools. Four separate interview tools were developed for use

(Appendices C-F). One was a general tool for community organizations, two tools focused on

service providers: primary health and mental health, and social services. A third tool, across

agency questions, was used for all interviewees to obtain general information about their agency.

D.2. Key Informant Interviews: Tobacco Related Issues, 2000

In order to provide a culturally appropriate intervention related to tobacco education the

SUNSET Russian Tobacco Education Project, a collaborative project of Bay Area Community

Resources and the Newcomers Health Program, identified key informants who are members of

or work with this community. The goal was to give insights on how to most effectively

implement a tobacco awareness program for the Russian-speaking community.

In the Fall and Winter 2000, SUNSET project staff conducted the interviews. The interview


19

tool was semi-structured and included questions about how the interviewee worked with

Russian-speakers, perceptions on numbers of smokers, special characteristics of smokers,

attitudes and behaviors related to tobacco use (and if these were affected by gender and/or

acculturation), secondhand smoke issues, tolerance to smoking in public places, tobacco sales to

minors, challenges to the success of the SUNSET project and community strengths that would

facilitate the success of this project (Appendix G).

Nine people were interviewed during seven sessions. Most interviews were conducted in

person, with one over the telephone. Key informants were chosen by convenience sample

through recommendations by the Newcomers Health Program and other service agencies as well

as staff outreach. The key informants represented a wide sector of the community including

Russian medical interpreters, staff and board members of social service agencies, the faith

community, media and health providers.

E. Focus Groups E.1. Focus Groups: General Health and Social Service Issues, 2000 Although the Russian-speaking community is not homogenous, Russian-speaking

newcomers have many similar experiences and needs. Focus groups were conducted to gather

information regarding perceived needs and gaps in services directly from Russian-speaking

newcomers. Newcomers Health Program staff and San Francisco State University graduate

students designed focus group questions to elicit in-depth discussion, which highlighted health

issues. The findings from these focus groups provide information from the perspective of

Russian-speaking newcomers about health issues.

Questions were designed to obtain data on demographics, perceptions of life in San

Francisco, and perceptions of health and social issues impacting the community. The draft

questions were field tested by three Russian-speaking service providers and reviewed by staff

from the Tobacco Free Project. The final instrument included a standardized introduction that

was read at each focus group and was composed of eight questions (Appendix H).

A total of twenty-two Russian-speaking newcomers participated in the focus groups. Of that

number eighteen were female and four were male. All participants were recent immigrants to

the United States, with residency in San Francisco ranging from ten months to six years.

Focus group audiotapes and notes were reviewed and a descriptive summary of each question


20

completed. Observations made during the debrief sessions were included in the data analysis.

General themes were identified and categorized and are the basis for the findings and

recommendations. Factors such as frequency (how often a response was given), extensiveness

(how many people said it) and intensity (how strong the opinion was) were taken into

consideration.

E.2. Focus Groups: Tobacco-related Issues, 2000

In the Fall of 2000, the SUNSET Russian Tobacco Education Project conducted four focus

groups with a total of 27 participants. The groups were chosen by convenience sample and to

include a cross-section of the community. They included a group of youth at a Russian language

school, their parents, a group of health workers serving Russian-speaking patients and a group of

visiting Russian ad executives, several of whom had worked on tobacco advertising campaigns

in the former Soviet Union and gave unique perspectives on Russian advertising and how to

counter pro-tobacco influences.

The goal of these groups was to help identify successful outreach strategies, education

materials and program direction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in both Russian

and English using set questions that were slightly modified as needed and appropriate to

maximize information gathering. The tool included questions on effective messages for smokers

and best communication messages for this issue with this community (Appendix I).

Section VI: Findings

21

VI. Findings A. Analysis of San Francisco Department of Public Health Patient Utilization Data,

1998-2000

The information in this section pertains to Russian-speaking patients primarily at three

outpatient public health clinics in San Francisco: Family Health Center’s Refugee Medical

Clinic, Family Health Center’s Gold Team, and Ocean Park Health Center. The majority of

visits from Russian-speaking newcomers fell within these zip code areas: 94102, 94122, 94118,

94121, which represent the following neighborhoods: Tenderloin/Hayes Valley, Sunset, Inner

Richmond/Presidio, and Outer Richmond (see Appendix K).

Demographics of Patients at Public Health Centers

A total of 237 Russian-speaking newcomers are represented in Table I, which has a

breakdown by age, gender and frequency of visits in 1998.

Table I. Age and Gender for 1st visit – Public Health Clinic Patient Data, 1998

Age # of Respondents (%)

Under 18 49 (20.68%)

19-34 31 (13.08%)

35-59 114 (48.1%)

60 and over 43 (18.14%)

Gender # of Respondents (%)

Female 127 (53.59%)

Male 110 (46.41%)

Total 237 (100%) When we examine the age and gender for 1998, Russian-speaking newcomers between the

ages of 35-59 years of age have a greater proportion of visits than other age groups. The gender

ratio is about the same. The majority of Russian-speaking newcomers who made 1st time visits

reside in either the Richmond or the Sunset areas of San Francisco. Over 64% of Russian

newcomers made their 1st time visit to the Ocean Park Health Center, while nearly 20% visited

other facilities not mentioned.


22

Table II. Age and Gender for 1st visit – Public Health Clinic Patient Data, 1999-2000


Under 18 97 (20.4%)

19-34 86 (18.1%)

35-59 217 (45.7%)

60 and over 74 (15.6%)


Female 294 (61.9%)

Male 181 (38.1%)

Total 474 (100%)

There are of 474 Russian-speaking newcomers presented in Table II. When we examine the

age and gender for 1999-2000, Russian newcomers between the ages of 35-59 years of age have

a greater proportion of visits than other age groups. The gender ratio is substantially higher for

females than males. The majority of Russian-speaking newcomers in this group reside primarily

in the Richmond or Sunset districts of San Francisco

Table III. Age and Gender for all visits – Public Health Clinic Patient Data, 1998


Under 18 273 (2.9%)

19-34 371 (3.9%)

35-59 4,102 (43.4%)

60 and over 4,714 (49.8%)


Female 6,286 (66.5%)

Male 3,174 (33.6%)

Total 9,460 (100%) There is information on 9,460 Russian-speaking newcomers presented in Table III.

When the age and gender is examined for all visits, Russian-speaking newcomers over the age of

sixty have a greater proportion of visits than other age groups. The gender ratio is almost twice


23

as high for females. The largest percentage of Russian-speaking newcomers resides in the

Richmond area, followed by the Sunset and the Presidio. Over 60% of all visits by Russian

newcomers to a health care clinic were made to the Ocean Park Health Center.

Table IV. Age and Gender for all visits– Public Health Clinic Patient Data, 1999-2000


Under 18 622 (4.7%)

19-34 865 (6.6%)

35-59 5,775 (44.2%)

60 and over 5,811 (44.4%)


Female 8,466 (64.8%)

Male 4,607 (35.2%)

Total 13,073 (100%) There are 13,073 Russian-speaking newcomers presented in Table IV, which outlines age

and gender for all visits from 1999-2000. When we examine the age and gender for all visits,

Russian-speaking newcomers between the ages of 35-59 years of age, and 60 and over have a

substantially greater proportion of visits than other age groups. The gender ratio is almost

doubled for females.

The largest percentage of Russian-speaking newcomer patients in this cohort live in the

Richmond or Sunset areas of San Francisco. There also appears to be a growing number of

community members living in the Western Addition area of San Francisco. Over 45% of all

visits to a health facility were at Ocean Park Health Center, while 10% of Russian-speaking

newcomers visited the Refugee Medical Clinic.

Diagnosis at Public Health Center Visits

There were a total of 191 first patient visits with diagnosis in 1998. Many of these are new

arrivals from overseas. The first visit to a medical center is often for prophylactic vaccines

which are administered to newcomers in the United States to prevent communicable diseases.


24

Table I. Diagnostic Groupings – First Visit at Public Health Clinics, 1998

Diagnostic Groupings Frequency (%)

Prophylactic vaccine 29 (15.2%)

Screening viral or bacterial disease 16 (8.4%)

Hypertensive disease 15 (7.9%)

Diseases of musculoskeletol system and connective tissue

11 (5.8%)

Ill defined conditions and symptoms 11 (5.8%)

Well child visit 11 (5.8%) Note: The total number of first patient visits with a diagnosis was 191 in 1998, percentages are based on this total

There were a total of 429 first patient visits during 1999-2000, which are illustrated in Table

II. The frequency of ill-defined symptoms, which is related to a general feeling of unwellness

with no specific diagnosis, almost doubled from 1998 to 1999-2000.

Table II. Diagnostic Groupings – First Visit at Public Health Clinics, 1999-2000

Diagnostic Groupings Frequency (%)

Prophylactic vaccine 60 (14.0%)


Screening viral or bacterial disease 39 (9.1%)

General exam 32 (7.5%)


Family planning 22 (5.1%) Note: The total number of first patient visits with diagnosis was 429 1999-2000, percentages are based on this total There were 7,595 total patient visits with diagnosis at public health clinics in 1998. Table III

outlines the frequency and percentage of the five most common diagnoses in this time period. It

is interesting to note that the second most common diagnosis is ill-defined conditions which

encompass vague symptoms and lack of feeling well, which can be connected to general

depression.

Table III. Diagnostic Groupings - All Visits at Public Health Clinics, 1998


25

Diagnosis Frequency (%)



Metabolic Disorders 754 (9.9%)

Diseases of musculoskeleton sys/connective tissue 730 (9.6%)

Diseases of the nervous system/sense organs 540 (7.1%)

Note: The total number of patient visits with diagnosis was 7,595 in 1998, percentages are based

on this total

There were a total of 11,287 patient visits with diagnosis during this time period of 1999-

2000, as shown in Table IV. The top diagnosis are similar to those in 1998, however

hypertension has a much higher rate in 1999-2000 than in 1998.

Table IV. Diagnostic Groupings - All Visits at Public Health Clinics, 1999-2000

Diagnosis Frequency (%)

Hypertensive disease 1,221 (19.8%)

Ill defined conditions and symptoms 1,111 (8.8%)

Diseases of musculoskeletol systems/connective tissue

995 (8.8%)

Diseases of nervous system/sense organs 814 (7.2%)

Metabolic disorders 741 (6.6%)

Diseases of the circulatory system 641 (5.7%) Note: The total number of patient visits with diagnosis was 11,287 in 1999-2000, percentages are based on this total

B. Analysis of California Department of Health Services Data, 2000-2002

There were a total of 324 patients in the twelve months from October 2000 through

September 2001. Table I illustrates the frequency and percent of the most common diagnosis in

the California Department of Health Services Data from the Refugee Health Electronic

Information System on-line database system. This data only includes diagnosis on the first visit

for newly arriving refugees and recently documented asylees who receive comprehensive health


26

assessments at Refugee Medical Clinic. In some cases patients had more than one diagnosis.

The top three diagnoses are the same for males and females: essential (primary) hypertension,

blindness and low vision, and arthritis.

Table I. Diagnosis for Males and Females, 12 months of 2000-2001 Diagnostic Groupings Female

Frequency & (%) Male Frequency & (%)

Essential (Primary) hypertension 17 (11.6%) 23 (13.7%)

Blindness and low vision 17 (11.6%) 22 (13.1%)

Other abnormal immunological findings in serum (rheumatoid arthritis)

15 (10.3%) 15 (8.9%)

Pain in throat and chest 5 (3.4%) 5 (3.0%)

Unspecified parasitic disease 4 (2.7%) 0

Menopausal & other perimenopausal disorders 4 (2.7%) 0

Other functional intestinal disorders (chronic diarrhea)

3 (2.1%) 0

Depressive episode 3 (2.1%) 0

Malignant neoplasm of the breast (cancer) 3 (2.1%) 0

Mental & behavioral disorders due to the use of tobacco

1 (.07%) 9 (5.4%)

Chronic ischemic heart disease 0 4 (2.4%) Note: The percentages are based on total number of diagnoses in dataset, which is 146 diagnoses for females and 168 for males.

There were a total of 171 patients in the first eight months quarter (October – May) of the

2001-2002. Similar to Table I above, Table II illustrates the frequency and percent of the most

common diagnosis in the California Department of Health Services Data from the Refugee

Health Electronic Information System on-line database system. This data only includes

diagnosis on the first visit for newly arriving refugees and recently documented asylees who

receive services at Refugee Medical Clinic. In some cases patients had more than one diagnosis.

The top three diagnoses for females and for males were the same in both years.

Table II. Diagnosis for Males and Females, first 8 months of 2001 – 2002


27

Diagnostic Groupings Female Frequency & (%)

Male

Frequency & (%)

Essential (primary) hypertension 14 (14.4%) 14 (14.7%)

Other abnormal immunological findings in serum (Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE)

13 (13.4%) 12 (12.6%)

Blindness and low vision 8 (8.2%) 8 (8.4%)

Mental & behavioral disorders due to the use of tobacco

8 (8.4%)

Other hearing loss 3 (3.1%) 6 (6.3%)

Pain in throat and chest 0 3 (3.2%)

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus 0 3 (3.2%)

Other nontoxic goiter 4 (4.1%) 0

Chronic ischemic heart disease 4 (4.1%) 0

Other joint disorders not elsewhere classified 4 (4.1%) 0

Iron deficiency anemia 3 (3.1%) 0 Note: The percentages are based on total number of diagnoses in dataset, which is 97 diagnoses for females and 95 for males. C. Refugee Medical Clinic Health Education Assessment Survey, 2002 The country of birth for the majority of respondents 57 (95%) was the former Soviet Union,

and three (5%) self-identified as being from other countries. Of the sixty Russian-speaking

respondents, thirty-seven (64%) were female and twenty-one (36%) were male.

A wide variety of age groups participated in the survey. One person (2%) was under 18 years

of age. Nine individuals (15%) were in the 18-35 age bracket. Twenty-five respondents (42%)

were in the 36-65 age bracket and another 25 respondents (42%) in the 65+ age bracket. The

largest percentage 35 (58%) of the respondents were married, while 42% were single,

divorced/separated or other.

All respondents read very well in their native language. Six (10%) of Russian-speakers said

they read English very well. Thirty-one (53%) respondents said they could read English

somewhat, and 22 (37%) said they could not read English at all. The respondents’ understanding

of English was split (50-50) between understanding it somewhat and not understanding it at all.

When Russian-speakers were asked about health, 48 (80%) said they wanted to learn more

about health care, and twelve (20%) said they were not interested in learning about health.


28

Respondents were given a wide variety of health-related topics (13) from which to choose.

Table I illustrates the responses. The most important topics of interest to Russian-speakers (half

were over 36 years of age) were blood pressure 30 (18%), heart disease 24 (15%), depression 20

(11%), diabetes 18 (11%), nutrition 17 (10%) and arthritis 18 (11%).

Table I. Health Education Topics of Interest to Russian-speaking Respondents

�Note: Arthritis18, Depression 20, Nutrition 17, Diabetes 18, Blood pressure 30, Heart disease 24

Table II shows the preferred ways of learning for the respondents. Sixty respondents were

given six choices of preferred learning methods: native language brochures 31 (36%), one-on-

one education 25 (29%), native language video 14 (16%), small group discussion 7 (8%),

English brochure 5 (6%), and English video 3 (4%).

Table II. Preferred Way of Learning for Russian-speaking Respondents

Note: native language brochures 31, English brochure 5, one-on-one education 25, native language video 14,

English video 3, small group discussion 7.

D. Key Informant Interviews, 1999-2000

D.1. Key Informant Interviews: General Health and Social Service Issues, 1999-2000

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The key informant interviewees revealed much information about methods of coping with

health and social problems, communication and cultural practices having to do with health, and

the services available.

A number of social service agencies serve the Russian-speaking population to provide job

referral, housing assistance, ESL classes, food security, and legal assistance. Members of the

Russian community reported that there are good methods of reaching people about health

services: community bulletin boards, Russian newspapers (K Stati, Vestnikm and Russian Life),

religious organizations and community-based agencies. While word-of-mouth is a major source

of communication among Russian-speaking people, there can also be a great deal of

misinformation and miscommunication via this method.

Two major problems were determined: access to health care services, and the aspect of

communication between providers and clients in the clinic setting. It appears that many Russian-

speakers are unaware of services available and therefore do not seek assistance for health

problems. There are ample opportunities for communication that are underutilized, but more

organized and consistent attempts to reach individuals in the community would greatly benefit

those who need help.

Several individuals felt they would be more comfortable with the health care community if

there were more Russian-speaking nurses and dentists available. Refugee Medical Clinic was

the only agency interviewed that reported no problems with interpretation services. The problem

ranged from moderate to severe in other agencies. The problem appears to be lack of available

translators and lack of funds to pay translators.

There is often a lack of trust in western medicines and health care. In the former Soviet

Union, physicians provided home visits and care. Many newcomers complain about American

health care system, for example, having to schedule and wait for appointments, having little

contact with primary physicians, being referred to specialists, the lack of long term relationships

with providers and the lack of culturally and linguistically competent health care providers.

Nearly every service provider discussed communication problems with the Russian-speaking

community. These problems are related to language, culture and attitudinal differences between

Soviet and American approaches to authority and medicine. The Soviet medical model is based

largely on drug therapy regimes mixed with alternative therapies, so newcomers may rely

heavily on medications in order to believe they are being helped, and may believe care is

incomplete if it does not include alternative treatments. If they do not understand the


30

medications prescribed to them or if the medications result in side effects that frighten them and

cause further mistrust, they quickly become non-compliant. This is a frustration to health care

providers and patients alike. It makes perfect sense for the patient who is only acting in his or

her own best interests.

All service providers reported common wide-spread health problems in the Russian-speaking

community, such as: hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, high cholesterol, depression, and

anxiety.

Many Russian-speakers are uninformed or in denial about risky health behaviors such as

alcoholism, smoking or poor eating habits. Many are obese or overweight and continue to

choose the foods which were readily available in their country of origin rather than include more

healthy selections referred by nutritionists.

During the field interviews there were at least two subjects, domestic violence and violence

against women, that were absent from discussion and conspicuous by their absence. For the

most part, Russian-speaking providers were particularly silent about this subject even when

questioned directly.

The following are common comments (paraphrased) made by service providers about these

culture differences and their implications:

1. Clients need a lot of reassurance and explanations about their health problems.

2. Russian-speaking patients are not familiar with preventative or prophylactic therapies.

They may not be compliant with medication taken for this purpose, or with screening

exams.

3. Patients are used to being told what to do and what to take for their health problems.

They are not used to being active participants in the interaction between doctor and

patient.

4. In the former Soviet Union alternative therapies are commonly prescribed along with

more "accepted" therapies. When these are lacking in treatment regime, patients believe

care is not complete.

5. Psychiatric and emotional problems carry a heavy negative stigma.

Russian-speakers are one of the fastest growing group of consumers of mental health services

in San Francisco. Prior to 1993, Richmond Area Multi Services, Inc. had no Russian-speaking

patients. At the time of the interview 300 Russian-speaking patients were receiving mental

health services at the clinic. The majority (two-thirds) of Russian-speakers were women in their


31

late fifties through early sixties. Two thirds had no previous psychiatric history, but within a few

years of arrival in the United States, they developed severe psychopathology; major depression,

anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and other somatic complaints.

Many newcomers suffer from depression and stress due to the tremendous losses they

suffered and/or shifts in their lives. However, because psychological problems are stigmatized

in the culture, it is not acceptable to discuss one's problems outside the family. Thus, mental

health issues may be underreported and services underutilized. Newcomers may prefer to seek

treatment at primary health care facilities and receive medications to help deal with their

depression or stress without addressing the cause or considering stressors as possible causes of

illness.

The overwhelming majority of health care providers and those involved with refugee and

immigrant services indicated that stress was a very serious health problem in the Russian-

speaking population. It has been identified as a leading cause of somatic illness either directly or

indirectly and the outcome of a complex set of circumstances ranging from pre-arrival

psychological problems to economic struggles to culture shock.

Refugee and immigrant populations experience levels of stress because of the added burdens

of acculturation, communication problems, and circumstances of their flight. The following are

conclusions reached by health care providers about causes of stress in the Russian-speaking

population and their ability to cope with stress: experiences prior to arrival, economic struggle in

America, separation from family in homeland, inability to gain legal status, discomfort with

American culture and "ways of doing things" (culture shock), failed expectations about life in

America, frustration in dealing with administrative and bureaucratic procedures, fear and distrust

of authority in America, and anxiety over the future of their children

In general, the most important issues for the target population are language acquisition,

employment and affordable housing. On the strength of these needs it is apparent that the

Russian-speaking refugees and immigrants have a keen desire to quickly become functioning

members of the communities and to follow previously established cultural practices of work and

self-sufficiency. Those newcomers that obtain refugee status or a green card can receive benefits

at least for the first few months in order to begin to get established. After that it becomes more

critical for them to quickly obtain language skills.

Some of the common behaviors that providers find challenging to deal with are the

community members’ mistrust and passive-aggressive behavior towards authority, enmeshment


32

or dependence on the service community, intolerance of differences, and unrealistic expectations

of life in the United States. Many people from the former Soviet Union had an image of life in

the United Sates which did not include homelessness, unemployment, racial problems, high

crime and other unfortunate realities. This causes many Russian-speaking newcomers to become

highly disappointed, and sometimes overly demanding.

Resettlement problems affect all ages of Russian-speaking newcomers. Many children and

youth experience resettlement problems. There is an adjustment due to the difference in

education system, language and culture. Tensions arise when teenagers no longer desire to speak

Russian in many newcomers’ households, especially when grandparents speak only Russian.

There is reportedly no Russian speaking staff member at the Youth Guidance Center; a detention

center for arrested youth. Teenagers and their families report problems when providers lack

cultural sensitivity training. There is also a lack of linguistically appropriate materials on date

rape, domestic violence, health issues etc. for youth

The 25-49 years old age group could benefit from English classes, vocational training, and

employment opportunities. Health is not a priority for this age group. In general they are very

concerned with issues such as housing, jobs, language, children’s education and acculturation.

They specifically need mental health/community/social services for Russian-speaking parents.

There may be gaps in services such as parenting classes, substance abuse and domestic violence

prevention programs.

The most significant resettlement issues are with the 50-65 year old population. It is found

that many are welfare qualified, but not qualified for Social Security benefits, so their income is

insufficient for the high cost of living in San Francisco. This group, more than others, needs

Russian-speaking service providers, affordable housing, culturally appropriate health care,

mental health care and supportive services programs.

D.2. Key Informant Interviews: Tobacco-Related Issues, 2000

Smoking is widespread among all socioeconomic classes. Key informants estimated that

from 30% to 80% of Russian-speaking newcomers smoke, and men smoke much more than

women. A practicing Russian doctor admitted that the majority of Russian doctors smoke.

Many Russian-speakers say they know that smoking is bad for them, but don’t believe it will

hurt them. Their preference is to eat and smoke as much as they want in spite of losing extra

years of life. They don’t want to be told what to do and wouldn’t respond to a heavy-handed


33

campaign.

Both male and female teens are smoking more frequently than in the past. This information

is consistent with prevalence rates in the former Soviet Union and tobacco industry targeting in

Eastern Europe with the fall of Communism. There is awareness that secondhand smoke is bad

for one’s health.

The respondents mentioned that Russian-speakers need a gentle approach with hard facts,

and made these recommendations: approach people through strong love of family, to take care

of themselves in order to provide for family and acculturation; emphasize issues improving

quality of life in this new country; and, tie-in education with fun trips or cultural events.

On the positive side, these people are immigrating into California where tobacco use is

not the norm, and where there are many healthy alternatives. It was mentioned that as Russian-

speaking newcomers become more acculturated, particularly high tech workers, they began to

quit smoking due to its social unacceptance.

E. Focus Groups

E.1. Focus Groups: General Health and Social Service Issues, 2000

Some focus group participants have a lack of trust in western medicines and the health care

system. They expressed dissatisfaction with the difficulties of scheduling appointments by

phone because of the language barrier. There is a lack of front office interpreters. Some

participants are unhappy with the fact that it takes too long to obtain an appointment with a

doctor and the emergency room wait is very long. Some participants complained about the short

duration for hospitalization. They perceive this as a sign of not receiving adequate medical

treatment. Focus group participants at the Refugee Medical clinic expressed appreciation for the

clinic. Participants noted great satisfaction with the services and health/medical information

provided by the doctors and nurses from San Francisco General Hospital and Mt. Zion Hospital.

Most participants mentioned they get their health care information from television first

(Russian, and American shows such as ER and Chicago Hope). Russian newspapers are also

another source of health information. All participants answered that they do not read brochures.

While none of the respondents were smokers, they all were aware of the health hazards of

smoking and secondhand smoke. They were also happy with the non-smoking laws in

California.

Respondents were asked to name the top three illnesses among Russian-speaking


34

newcomers. Depression was the first illness mentioned by all respondents. The second most

frequently mentioned illness was high blood pressure/heart disease/high cholesterol. Arthritis

and diabetes were also named as top illnesses. Respondents also spoke of dental problems and

needing dentures that are very expensive and the costs are not covered by Medi-Cal insurance.

The high cost of private insurance is prohibitive.

Participants requested more mental health programs, support and services. Some specifically

requested special stress reduction programs. The language barrier was reported to cause

significant stress on a daily basis.

Respondents cited problems with adjustment to life in the United States. Participants cited a

lack of affordable housing in San Francisco, which caused stress and dissatisfaction. Some

expressed fear of homelessness. Several respondents stated that they are pressured to move by

landlords who want to charge new tenants higher rents.

Respondents cited loss of country, work and status as their biggest problems. After being

respected and needed professionally for thirty or forty years, having no chance of employment is

very difficult. Many respondents were frustrated at not having jobs since leaving their country

of origin. Some commented about having a profession before coming here and now they have

no work. There is a lack of vocational rehabilitation.

Many reported being grateful to be in America and acknowledged that their lives are better

here overall. Participants felt that San Francisco is a beautiful place to live, people are very nice

and very helpful; people try to understand when Russian-speaking newcomers talk or when they

place a call. Public transportation is convenient and they like the accommodations for people

with physical disabilities.

E.2. Focus Groups: Tobacco-Related Issues, 2000

All the focus group participants who are health workers knew the dangers of secondhand

smoke. They believe that Russians are well-informed but choose to ignore the information. The

youth understood its dangers, but perceived that the community regarded it as unpleasant rather

than harmful. Two of the parents were uniformed about secondhand smoke. Respondents

estimated that 20% to 80% of Russian-speakers use tobacco products. One participant, who

works in health care services, estimates that about 80% of Russian-speaking patients at the site

are smokers. It was reported that there is still some smoking in restaurants, restrooms and parks

where Russians congregate.


35

All groups want to see tobacco awareness information packaged in beautiful images or

humor rather than a hard sell. They felt that incentives were needed to get participants involved

in the program. It was also suggested that tying in educational programs to cultural, recreational

or socializing opportunities would be attractive.

In terms of outreach, respondents suggested direct mail, pamphlets and videos in both

languages. Outreach from social service agencies, the faith community, Russian language media

and Russian community concerts were also mentioned. Respondents also emphasized free help

and personal contact. Russian-speakers strongly value their cultural history and would like to

see entertainment figures in the campaign. They felt it would counteract the perception that all

Russian cultural heroes, such as literary figures, are heavy smokers.

Youth and parents cited their perception that merchants care only about profits and break

the law in regards to selling cigarettes to minors. Respondents suggested a poster summarizing

tobacco laws be displayed in merchant’s establishments. Respondents suggested the barriers to a

successful anti-tobacco program are ignorance, a loosely organized Russian community and an

unwillingness to change. Respondents felt that word-of-mouth and healthy parental direction

would be good ways to encourage non-smoking behaviors. Health professionals were seen as

important allies.

In another focus group, advertising executives from Russia stated that the tobacco industry

influence in the former Soviet Union is intense and the advertising is very aggressive. There is

an incredible amount of advertising, no counter ads and very little regulation. Tobacco

billboards are everywhere and scantily clad women distribute free samples. At minimum, we

can assume from the data on the tobacco environment in the former Soviet Union that

newcomers arrive with a cultural norm that finds tobacco use normal.

The executives suggested that people implementing small anti-tobacco campaigns take any

successful pre-existing health promotion ads, research how they work and project them on the

Russian community. The following suggestions were made:

1. Analyze the message and rework it to appeal culturally to the Russian-speaking community.

2. Research competitors for clues on how to counteract them.

3. Show consequences such as bad teeth, bad breath, or individuals with cancer.

4. Show a happy life without tobacco.

5. Show a house made out of cigarette packages to show how much money is spent on their

habit.


36

6. Use the Russians’ cultural attraction to comics as a way of appealing to their humorous side.

7. Suggest a play on words which makes fun of the Russian fatalist mentality.

8. Emphasize that part of the American experience is not smoking.

9. Focus on youth uptake.

Section VII: Discussion

37

VII. Discussion Some Suggestions For Service Providers

As discussed throughout this report, there are many issues impacting the Russian-speaking

newcomer community in San Francisco, a community that has many strengths it can draw on.

As with any immigrant community there are similarities as well as differences among

community members, and these impact their resettlement and adjustment experience.

The overall most common issues identified throughout this assessment are stress and

depression among the newcomers. While long term psychosocial problems such as previous

traumatic experiences, acculturation, intergenerational communication problems, family conflict

and economic struggle cannot be solved easily, stress reduction and improvement of coping

skills would ease the burden of these problems which can be overwhelming and cause much

distress and suffering.

In general, one of the most critical issues for service providers is that we learn about and

attempt to understand the culture, background and trauma that this community has faced in the

past and is currently facing as newcomers resettle in the United States. Language is a major

barrier for newcomers, however cultural misunderstandings can sometimes create a larger barrier

than language, and one that is not as easily overcome. It is critical that service providers bridge

that gap by educating themselves about the community and developing approaches, programs

and services that bear in mind socio-cultural issues. Likewise, we need to provide newcomers

with clear information about health and social services and how to access them, and educate

them about our service delivery culture. Our hope is that this assessment report can help build a

two way street of cultural understanding and cooperation.

In conclusion we have outlined below a list of findings and recommendations from our

experiences while conducting the various steps of this assessment.

Some General Findings from the Assessment

1. Diversity: There are many differences in the waves of Russian speakers who live in the San

Francisco Bay Area. There are subgroups based on the country of origin, religious practice,

immigration status, age and socio-economic status.

2. Physical health issues: Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease are


38

very common. Diseases of the musculoskeletol system and connective tissues, diseases of

the nervous system and sense organs, and rheumatoid arthritis are also common. Some of

these are most likely related to lifestyle, diet and tobacco use.

3. Mental health issues: Loss of country, work and status cause many Russian-speaking

newcomers to feel depression and stress. Many of the elderly have feelings of depression

and become isolated due to a lack of English language skills. Some do not seek assistance in

health care because they are uninformed about services available or due to the stigma

associated with mental health.

4. Employment opportunities: Most Russian-speakers are well-educated and well-trained.

However, due to language limitations or lack of current technology skills many are unable to

get work or earn a substantial wage for the high cost of living in San Francisco.

5. Supportive services: One of the most frustrating areas for these newcomers is the lack of

qualified Russians-speaking interpreters and service providers at many health centers and

social service agencies. Many Russian-speaking newcomers expressed their appreciation for

the health care providers at the Refugee Medical Clinic, Mt. Zion Hospital and San

Francisco General Hospital.

6. Housing: The high cost of housing in San Francisco is a major concern for many Russian-

speakers. Many fear homelessness. We are seeing a larger population settling in unsafe

neighborhoods such as the Tenderloin and the Western Addition. Others move out of the

city to suburban areas such as Daly City, Richmond, Walnut Creek and even to Sacramento

where there is a large Russian population.

7. Youth issues: Youth tend to acculturate faster into the community than the older generations.

Many don’t want to speak Russian and this causes a communication problem with elderly

family members who may only speak Russian. In addition, some Russian service providers

perceive that Russian-speaking youth have a much higher smoking prevalence rate than

American teenagers. If this is true, tobacco-related diseases will continue to affect this

community at higher rates than the general population.

8. Great strengths: Russian-speakers know how to “find their way” in the culture and have a

desire to work and become successful in the new environment. They are resourceful,

resilient and developed skills in their homeland for getting around obstacles. They have a

strong sense of family and a very good work ethic.


39

Recommendations

We based these suggested recommendations on the information gathered in this assessment.

We believe that these could significantly and positively impact the health, well-being and

resettlement experiences of Russian-speaking newcomers in San Francisco.

1. Increase access to health care services by providing the newcomers with an extensive

orientation to the health care system in the U.S. (and more specifically in San Francisco) so

they will better understand the process and be able to utilize services.

2. Develop health education prevention programs such as hypertension management, diabetes

management and healthy eating programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Use bilingual, bicultural staff to conduct outreach and implement activities.

3. Implement cultural competency training at all levels of service provision. Provide funding

for more native language brochures, one-on-one education and native language videos.

4. Increase the availability of interpreter services and Russian-speaking providers throughout

the health and social services arena.

5. Conduct social support groups for Russian-speaking newcomers citywide and develop

mental health services that specifically meet the needs of older Russian-speaking community

members. Identify and outreach to groups that are not seen as well as those that are more

visible by their presence in the various assistance programs offered by service agencies.

Very often those that are the least visible are, by definition, the ones that need the most

attention from social service agencies and others in the community.

6. Develop youth and intergenerational programs to enhance family connections and build on

cultural strengths.

7. Incorporate alternative medicine, stress reduction and coping strategies into more traditional

health and social services models that are common in the United States. This idea is based in

part on models practiced in the former Soviet Union, thus it is not only culturally appropriate

but would also build trust in the community.

8. Increase the number of vocational training and job placement programs that serve Russian-

speakers with limited English skills.


40

Lessons Learned from this Assessment by the Newcomers Health Program

As noted in earlier discussions (e.g. methodology and findings), there were a number of

challenges we encountered implementing this community assessment. In this section, we would

like to outline some of our thoughts for other agencies or programs thinking of conducting their

own community assessment activities with Russian-speaking newcomers or other new refugee

communities.

First of all, with any newcomer community, even after several years of resettlement,

finding/compiling data and statistics, such as basic demographics, socioeconomic or health

status, can be a major challenge. Limited information may be available from primary or

secondary sources, provided their ethnicity or country of origin is recorded by public or private

agencies.

Funding and staff resources were very limited to conduct this assessment. We did not have

direct funding to support the majority of this project and thus had limited dedicated staff time.

Through collaborations with the Masters in Public Health program at San Francisco State

University, the Newcomers Health Program conducted many of the assessment activities in

stages through the efforts of graduate student interns.

Furthermore, we found invaluable advice and feedback from staff at community-based

agencies serving Russian-speaking newcomers. Key to implementing the activities was the

involvement of our Russian-speaking staff, since they have had prior personal contacts as well as

working relationships with the Russian community through resettlement and health services

Section VIII: References

41

VIII. References Birman, D (no date). Towards Understanding the Interactions Between Soviet Jewish Refugees and U.S. Service Providers: A Cross-Cultural Perspective. Paper presented at “Soviet Refugee Health and Mental Health: Twenty Years of Soviet Resettlement Conference”, Chicago, IL. Elaysberg, Yevgeniy (1996). Cross Cultural Health Care Program, Voices of the Communities: Health Care Needs of Seattle’s Ethnic Communities. Chapter on Soviet Jewish written by Elaysberg, Yevgeniy. Escobar, Linette (2000). Literature Review Related to Russian-Speaking Newcomers Tobacco and Cultural Approaches and Intervention Strategies. Unpublished document, San Francisco. Galperin, M (no date). Intra Familial Strains in Resettlement. Paper presented at “Soviet Refugee Health and Mental Health: Twenty Years of Soviet Resettlement Conference”, Chicago, IL. Gaudette, Karen (2002) Census: Ethnic pockets abound in California, San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco, August, 2002. Gold, Steven J. and Tuan, Mia (1993). Jews from the Former USSR in the United States, Many Cultures Publishing, San Francisco. Hartman, (1999). Hartman Book of History. History of Russia and the Former USSR, 18 Dec. 1999 http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Douglas. Hendricks, Tyche (2002). All Roads Lead to the Bay Area: Number of foreign-born residents climbs to 27.5%. San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco, September, 2002. Hobbs, Richard (2000). The Santa Clara County Office of Human Relations Citizenship and Immigration Services Program, Summit on Immigrant Needs and Contributions. Santa Clara. Lipson, Juliene G (2000). Culture and Nursing Care: A Pocket Guide. UCSF School of Nursing, UCSF Nursing Press, 2000. Chapter by Luba J. Evanikoff. San Francisco. Moyer, RD (no date). The Future of Soviet Health Screening: Findings and Recommendation for Prevention. Paper presented at “Soviet Refugee Health and Mental Health : Twenty Years of Soviet Resettlement Conference”, Chicago, IL. Office of Refugee Resettlement (1999). Refugee Resettlement Program: Report to Congress. DHHS Publication, Government Printing Office, Washington DC. Schulhoff, JM (no date). Cultural Differences in Health Care – An Approach in Coping With Differences: Cultural Realities and Perceptions in Health Care Delivery. Paper presented at “Soviet Refugee Health and Mental Health : Twenty Years of Soviet Resettlement Conference”, Chicago, IL.

Section VIII: References

42

United States Census Bureau, 2000. Your Gateway to Census 2000 – http://www.census.gov. United States General Accounting Office (1999). Soviet Refugees: Issues Effecting Domestic Resettlement. Washington D.C. Weinstein, Harvey M. (1999), A Project of the Human Rights Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Forced Migration and Health: Refugee Well-being in America. Berkeley, California) Zinchenko, A. (2001). Nostalgia and Discontinuity of Life: A Multiple Case Study of Older Ex-Soviet Refugees Seeking Psychotherapeutic Help for Immigration-Related Problems. Unpublished dissertation, presented to the faculty of Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center. San Francisco.

Appendix A

Refugee Medical Clinic Patient Health Education Assessment Survey English Version

Thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey. The purpose of this survey is to gather information about health education needs of the patients at the Refugee Medical Clinic (RMC). The information you provided here will help us design health education programs for the RMC patients. Today’s date: _________________ Please tell us about yourself

1. What is your gender?

__ Female __ Male

2. How old are you?

__ Under 18 __ 18-35 __ 36-65 __ Over 65

3. What is your marital status?

__ Single __ Married __ Divorced or Separated __Other: __________

4. What is your country of birth?

__ Former USSR __ Bosnia __ Vietnam __ Iraq __ Other: _____________________

5. How well do you read in your native language?

__ Very well __ Somewhat __ Not at all

6. How well do you read in English?

__ Very well __ Somewhat __ Not at all

7. How well do you understand English?

__ Very well __ Somewhat __ Not at all Please tell us about your interest in health education

8. Are you interested in learning more about taking care of your health?

__ Yes (Please go to #10) __ No (Please go to #9)

Appendix A (continued)

9. If no, please briefly explain why below: (Then please go to #12) _____________________________________________________________________

10. If yes, which of the following common health issues are you interested in learning more about? (Please check all that apply)

__ Arthritis __ Asthma/breathing problem __ Blood pressure __ Depression __ Diabetes __ Heart disease __ Hepatitis __ HIV/AIDS __ Immunization __ Nutrition __ Pregnancy care __ Tuberculosis __ Managed care __ Smoking Cessation __ Family planning/birth control __ Women’s health (Pap smear, breast exams) __ Other: ______________________

11. Which of the following ways of learning do you prefer? (Please check all that apply) __ Brochure/pamphlet in your native language __ Brochure/pamphlet in English __ One-on-one education from your health care provider or interpreter __ Watching a video in your native language __ Watching a video in English __ A small group discussion or class on specific topics in your native language __ A small group discussion or class on specific topics in English __ Other: _______________________________________________________ 12. Is there anything you would like to tell us about your experience at Refugee Medical

Clinic? _____________________________________________________________________

Thank You!

Appendix B

Refugee Medical Clinic Patient Health Education Assessment Survey Russian Version

Appendix B (continued)

Appendix C Russian-Speaking Community Assessment

Key Informant Interview – Community Organizations General Health and Social Issues Questions

Interviewee Name:

Title: ____________________________________

Ethnicity:

Country of Origin____________________ Religion_______________

Sex: Male Female

Name of organization or agency:

Address:

Phone/Fax: ________________________________

Date: ______________Time started interview: __________ Time ended:

___________

Interviewer Name: ______________________________ Via Phone In-person

1. What programs or services does your agency provide?

monetary food housing job-related orientation to U.S. recreation mental health/counseling/support groups citizenship classes ESL religious other:

________________________________________________________________________ 2. What geographic areas/neighborhoods do you serve?

SF County: __________________ Bay Area: _______________________________ 3. What other refugee groups does your agency serve?

Middle East: Africa: Europe: East Asia: The Americas & the Caribbean: South & Central Asia:

4. What do you think are the top 3 health/psychosocial/resettlement issues for Russian speaking

refugees? affordable housing employment learning English mental health health care day care crime/safety transportation education/school culture shock intergenerational gap adaptation other: ______________________________________________

Appendix C (continued)

5. What are the obstacles and/or barriers to addressing these issues? 6. What do you think are the strengths and assets of the Russian-speaking refugee community

in the SF Bay Area? (e.g. What are some of the ways they are coping with their new lives here? Any mutual support groups or assistance groups? Tight neighborhoods, extended families, a helping network to find jobs, child care, shopping needs, language needs?) 7. In which neighborhoods do many of them first settle? To where do they later move? 8. What are the expectations of newly arriving refugees concerning the assistance your agency

provides? 9. Have you experienced any particular challenges working with Russian-speaking refugees?

(e.g. health-related beliefs or practices, including health care seeking practices) 10. What are some cultural, social or political considerations in working with them? 11. What programs or resources in the community have been effective, or ineffective, in helping

them resettle, or hindered them, and why? 12. Are they successful in becoming part of the community? Why or why not? 13. What other groups do you think we cold work with to develop programs for Russian-

speaking refugee (i.e. existing Russian community)? 14. Any suggested needed services, collaborations or interventions? (What specifics would

make them successful to reach Russians in particular?) 15. What are your perceptions of the RMC or Newcomers Program (Do you know of the

RMC/N.P.? Any realistic/new ideas for N.P.’s role in the community and other services that could be provided? Other agencies that could work in coalition w/N.P.?):

16. Referrals/Other contacts you can recommend to us (what other agencies work w/Russians or

individuals/ key informants should we contact), can help in distributing surveys to Russians, and follow-up issues:

17. Other observations/notes:

Appendix D Russian-Speaking Community Assessment

Key Informant Interviews - Health Provider Questions

Interviewee Name:__________________________ Title: _______________________________

Agency/Address:________________________________________________________________

Length of time working w/Russian-speaking community in current job: ____________________

Ethnicity: ________________Country of Origin_______________________

Sex: Male Female

Date: _______________ Time started interview: __________ Time ended: ___________

Interviewer Name: _______________

Via Phone In-person

GENERAL HEALTH 1. What do you perceive to be the major health needs of Russian-speaking refugees initially

arriving in the U.S. during their 1st few months, and later in their resettlement (after one year or more)? (e.g. TB treatment, orientation to the health care system, preventive health, dental care, family planning, maternal/child health, nutrition, mental health care or chronic conditions, communicable diseases, etc.)

2. To the best of your knowledge, what are some of the barriers to Russians receiving medical

care and health education? 3. What do you suggest as a way to address these barriers? 4. What major health concerns are they self-reporting?

MENTAL HEALTH/SOCIAL SUPPORT 1. Do RMC providers typically screen for mental health needs? 2. What, in your opinion, are the major mental health problems among Russian-speaking

refugees in the U.S.? 3. Which mental health services offering support to Russian-speaking refugees are you familiar

with?

Appendix D (continued)

4. Do you, or anyone else you work with (e.g. interpreters), refer Russian-speaking refugees to

any of these services? 5. If Russian-speaking refugees with mental health needs are not seeking help, why do you

think this is? (cultural/religious barriers, lack of information, fear, stigma, poor access, other) 6. Can you suggest ways of overcoming these barriers and dealing with mental health problems

of Russian-speaking refugees? 7. Do you think they want mental health providers from their country of origin or U.S.? 8. Based on your knowledge of Russian-speaking refugees, what could you identify as their

primary means of social/psychological support? (e.g. What are some of the ways they are coping with their new lives here? Any mutual support groups or assistance groups? Tight neighborhoods, extended families, a helping network to find jobs, child care, shopping needs, language needs?)

FAMILY PLANNING 1. What methods of prescription and OTC contraception do Russians commonly use (back in

home country vs. U.S.)? 2. Are Russian-speaking refugees informed about how these methods prevent a pregnancy?

(how they work, how they are used, do they think they work well, do they think they are safe?)

3. Which person(s) do you think would influence their decisions to use contraceptives and a

particular method? (e.g. spouse, partner, parent, sibling, friend, health professional, etc.) 4. If Russian-speaking refugee women in the U.S. do not use reliable family planning methods,

why do you think this is? 5. What kind of help do you they would like with family planning in the U.S.? 6. What do they feel is the ideal family size? I their country? In the U.S.? PREVENTIVE CARE 1. Do they appear to be knowledgeable about preventive health strategies available in the U.S.?

(e.g. BSEs, CBE’s, mammograms, pap smears, childhood immunizations, prenatal care, dental check-ups, avoiding substance abuse, including tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, domestic violence?)

2. Do they seem aware of how these work to maintain good health, what is involved and the

importance of these services?

Appendix D (continued)

3. Do many Russian-speaking refugees utilize preventive services here in the U.S.?

Who uses which services? 4. What are their attitudes/beliefs about smoking? 5. What are some helpful strategies to address smoking (e.g. cultural, family issues)? HEALTH EDUCATION ISSUES 1. What do you think Russian-speaking refugees would like information on (or have expressed

interest in)? prenatal care tests offered during pregnancy nutrition infant and child care family planning and women's reproductive health care for the elderly care for specific chronic complaints mental health/social support psychosomatic health issues substance abuse smoking cessation infectious diseases other (specify): ___________________________________________________________

2. How do you think Russians would most like to receive health education information?

Phone consultation or phone information line Through the media (please specify): __________________________________________ One-to-one consultation Have written materials in Russian in the clinic/doctor’s office or other agencies Provide a class or support group (please specify topics): _________________________ Hold community meetings Other (please explain): ______________________________________________

OTHER ISSUES 1. Have you experienced any particular challenges working with Russian-speaking refugees?

(e.g. Cultural, social, political or health-related beliefs or practices, including health care seeking practices)

2. What other groups do you think we could work with to develop programs for Russian-

speaking refugees e.g. existing Russian community, community agencies, health programs)? 3. Referrals/Other health providers in the community you can recommend to talk with us, other

follow-up issues?

Appendix E Russian-Speaking Community Assessment

Key Informant Interview - Social Service Provider Questions Overall Objectives: 1. To inquire about specific environmental and social conditions which indirectly or directly affect the health of people in the RSR community. 2. To understand the comparative vulnerability of certain age groups in that population. 3. Clarify the role and (self) perceived services which that agency provides. 4. Describe the constraints and/or frustrations which the service agency experiences in trying the meet the needs of the RSR community. 5. Express how the RSR community prioritizes its own social service needs, as they relate to health. 6. Introduce and inform the agency about Newcomers Health Program. TOPIC CHECKLIST 1. Housing: Availability; Expectations; Security 2. Environment of the Home

3. Heat: Crowding; Water; Sanitation

4. Acculturation: Community cohesion; Integration (self imposed isolation or attempts at

integration); Self help to aid acculturation; Outside aid to acculturation and how accessed

5. Faith support: Role of the faith community; Support by the faith community; Services;

6. Sources of Information: How accessed, by what medium; Information seeking practices

7. Outreach: How; What groups are left out; What attempts have been made to reach marginalized groups

8. Gang activity: Prevalence; Alternative outlets for youth; Actual versus perceived threat

Appendix F Russian-Speaking Community Assessment

Key Informant Interview - Across Agency Questions Agency Name/Department: Address: Contact: Phone: Services Available: Russian Language Services Available? Yes/No Questions 1. What are the 5 most common reasons refugees seek assistance in this agency? 2. What is the process for processing refugee requests for assistance? 3. Do you have a designated person in the agency that works with the Russian speaking population? 4. Can you estimate what percentage of your clients are from the Russian speaking refugee or immigrant population in San Francisco? 6. Have your Russian speaking clients indicated whether they found the services helpful? 7. How do the RSR find out about your agency? 8. Are there particular constraints on your agency's ability to deliver services to the RSR population? 9. How do the RSR community expectations of your agency's services match actual services? 10. Does your agency have a referral system? 11. How would you rate your services to the RSR population. Equal to other community groups, better, would like improvement, don't know. 12. What do you believe is your agency's most effective service the RSR community? To other populations? 13. Did you know about Newcomers Health before this interview?

Appendix G SUNSET Russian Tobacco Education Project

Key Informant Questions

Questions 1. How do you work with Russian speaking newcomers? How many do you work with? 2. Estimate the number/percent of Russian newcomers who smoke through your contacts. Describe this population of smokers:

age income (low, middle, high) other unique characteristics 3. What are the attitudes and behaviors related to tobacco use? Follow up questions: How

about when gender and/or acculturation levels differ? (acculturation is how well someone has assimilated into American society)

4. Is it common to smoke in the home? (where, when, by whom etc.) Even if there are children

present? 5. Are there areas in the community where Russian speaking Newcomers smoke in public

places? Please identify and describe them: 6. What is your opinion of the Russian speaking community’s tolerance toward smoking in

public places or selling tobacco to minors? 7. What are some of the challenges/barriers to the success of this proposed program?

Historical? Political? Economic? Cultural? Other? How do we overcome these?

8. What strengths does your community have which would facilitate the success of this

program?

Historical? Political? Economic? Cultural? Other? How can we build on these?

9. Is there anything else you can tell us that will help us understand the tobacco-related issues

facing this community? Please describe:

Appendix H Russian-Speaking Community Assessment

Focus Group Questions Introduction I would like to welcome all of you to our discussion today. We thank you for taking the time to talk with us. My name is ___________ and (introduce all team members). We are all graduate students at San Francisco State University in Public Health and are working with Newcomers Health Program. We are conducting activities with the Russian-speaking community and want to listen to what health concerns you may have. It is our intent to use the information that you share with us today to provide your community with relevant health information and services. You were selected because you represent the newcomer Russian-speaking community. For data collection purposes, this session will be recorded. However, no information will be linked to you or your names specifically. Do you have any questions or concerns before we begin? 1. Let's go around the room and find out everyone's name and how long you have lived in

San Francisco. 2. Our program would like to provide health information and improve the overall well-

being of the Russian newcomer community. What suggestions do you have for us? 3. Moving to San Francisco has been a special experience for each of you and your

families. What are some of the things you like most about your life here? What are some of the things you like least about life here?

Probing: What are some of the ways you are adjusting to life here? 4. What are the top three illnesses among Russian-speaking newcomers who you know?

5. If someone you know is feeling sick, what would you tell them to do? If someone you know feels "blue" or sad, what would you tell them to do? Probing: Where would you tell them to go? 6. How or where do you get health information?

Probing: if they come up with answers, then can suggest. TV, radio, newspapers, friends, adult children/grandchildren, doctors, nurses - - If media, which newspapers, tv shows, radio stations, etc.

7. What do you know about the health problems of people who smoke cigarettes? What

do you know about the health problems or people who live or work with smokers? Probing: Do you know anyone now who is ill because of smoking? Who quit smoking? If so, how did they quit?

8. Does anybody have anything else they would like to talk about that we have not already discussed?

Appendix I SUNSET Russian Tobacco Education Project

Focus Group Questions Questions: 1. How many smokers are in your family? 2. What have you heard about secondhand smoke? 3. Finish this sentence: Your Russian friends think that smoking is.... 4. What are the most effective messages for attracting people’s attention to tobacco-related issues? (A follow up question can be tailored to the specific issue you have in mind.) 5. What are the most important things that we should keep in mind when developing tobacco education materials and programs for your community? 6. What are the best places for sharing information in your community? 7. What is the most effective format for communicating with your community: videos, posters, pamphlets, radio announcements, music, community events, spokespersons such as sports and/or entertainment figures? 7. Which radio and television stations do you and your friends listen to/view?

Appendix J Russian-Speaking Community Assessment

List of Key Informants Arinkoff, Elena (1999). Case worker at Diocese Outreach. Baylin, Marina (2002). Health at Home Agency, San Francisco Department of Public Health Boyko, Nina (1999) Refugee Medical Clinic, Newcomers Health Program Buick, Nick (2002). Director of Russian American Community Services. Dubon, Lisa (1999). San Francisco Department of Human Services. Flom, Zinovy (2000). Former Program Assistant, San Francisco Senior Center. Goldenshteyn, Irina (1999). Catholic Charities of San Francisco. Greenberg M.D., Lisa (1999). Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Émigré Department. Grzhonko, Leonid (2000). Board Member, Jewish Community Center of San Francisco; Board Member, Jewish Family and Children’s Services. Hoover, Diana (1999). Richmond Area Multidisciplinary Services (RAMS). Johnson, M.D., Lisa (1999). Medical Director. Ocean Park Health Center. Lipson, Juliene G. (2000). Culture and Nursing Care: A Pocket Guide. UCSF School of Nursing, UCSF Nursing Press, 2000. (Chapter by Luba J. Evanikoff.) Litt, Barbara (1999). Jewish Community Center, Russian Émigré Department. Margolin, Rabbi (2000). Director, Techia Corporation (non-profit religious organization); Founder, Institute of Leaders of Immigration; Editor, “Jewish World” (Russian language paper). McGirr, RN, MPH, Kevin (1999). Department of Public Health, San Francisco. Mednikova, Marsha (1999). Richmond Area Multidisciplinary Services (RAMS). Mogilev, Bella (2000). Health Interpreter, Newcomers Health Program, Refugee Medical Clinic Nisenzon, M.D. Boris (2000). Board Member, Colleague (Organization of retired doctors from FSU); Board Member of Active Longevity (a Russian Jewish seniors organization); Foreign Medicine Correspondent, “Doctor’s Gazette” (Moscow paper), and many other Russian newspapers. Obosky, Diana (1999) Case manager. Mt. Zion Outpatient Services.

Obukhova, Yelena (1999). Richmond Area Multidisciplinary Services (RAMS). Orthodox Church Worker (2002). Anonymous source. Ostergren, Maisha, (1999). Refugee Transitions. Pavlova, Inna (1999). Jewish Vocational Services. Pearl, Lauren (2000). Youth Program Coordinator, Jewish Family and Children’s Services. Pulshik, Eleanor (1999). San Francisco Department of Human Services. Radom, Olga (2000). Refugee Medical Clinic, Newcomers Health Program Rozman, Ella (1999). International Institute of San Francisco. Rudoy, Irina (1999). Tuberculosis Clinic, Newcomers Health Program, and University of California, San Francisco. Simon, M.D., Ann (1999). Ocean Park Health Center. Yusupova, Natalya (2000). Club Noon Program Coordinator, Jewish Family and Children’s Services.

russian-speaking newcomers in san francisco: a community ...€¦ · resettlement experiences of...

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